Added Voices

Added Voices

There is not an animal that I won’t give voice to. When I was in Junior High School, the path I took, walking to school, always passed by this squirrel. I nicknamed him Rod. We would have conversations every time we passed each other. 

I would say “Hi” and ask him how his day was going, and in my head, he would respond. Our conversations were short since he never was one to chat very much, and he was much too busy to stop and spend any more time with me than necessary. I also had to be on time for school.

This behavior of mine continues to this day.  When I was young, the conversations were one-sided from outside observers’ points of view since all squirrel voices were in my head. As a grown-up, I have no inhibitions to verbalizing what any animal I’m interacting with is saying or thinking when other people are around.

We feed two feral cats, Thunder Snow and Kid Thunder. They at least stick around for lengthier talks, though Thunder Snow has never uttered a sound in the six years we’ve been feeding him. Kid Thunder at least meows periodically. It doesn’t stop me from saying what’s happening in their heads.

Wild animals, like deer, countless birds, and even bugs, have shared their thoughts through my voice. 

I find that interacting with animals through my voice and having conversations about life, in general, is very comforting. It calms me down. It also helps my creative juices flow as a writer and a storyteller. 

So if you happen to pass by me and it looks like I’m talking to myself out loud, you might want to look around the area or where my eyes are focused, for chances are there is something out there that I am talking with. If you’re unsure, ask the tree I’m standing next to. I’m sure it’ll tell you who or what I’m conversing with. It might even suggest that you join in.